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Celebration of life held for Upsall

All week, we've heard about the violence surrounding the death of Wilma Upsall, when someone broke into the Leiters Ford home where she was staying this past Tuesday afternoon and ended her life. Tonight, however, violence and crime had no place. Tonight was a night to remember, to share and to celebrate the life of Wilma Upsall who was so many things to so many people: She was a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; she was also a sister, aunt, great-aunt and friend. She lived to be 81 years old and was surrounded by five generations of family who loved and cherished her place in their world.
Flowers of every color imaginable lined the room at Braman & Son's Memorial Chapel, Knox. Priceless treasures made by Upsall's hands were on display and represented just a few of the keepsakes her family will cherish a lifetime: Handmade quilts, dolls, and blue velvet dresses all had their special place at the memorial.
Upsall loved to do crafts of all kinds and she was quite skilled in producing beautiful works of art. She could do macrame, crochet, quilt, sew, and do needlepoint. She also had an amazing green thumb which was evident in the beautiful plants she grew.
Photo boards were laid out with Upsall as a young woman, bride, young mother, and grandmother, images of family smiling, laughing and sharing so many years of holidays, birthdays, graduations, weddings, the birth of children and even a fun day at the beach.
Upsall was also a valued employee. For many years, She worked at Howmet Austenal in Laporte. Later, she worked in the kitchen at Starke Memorial Hospital (now IU Starke Hospital). After retirement, she would often visit the hospital because she couldn't stand being idle. She was a woman of many talents, a hard worker and possessed a generous spirit.
Tonight was about the endless threads of a life that when woven together created a tapestry of memories that her family can cherish a lifetime. It was a time for family, friends and loved ones to reminisce about the funny, happy, crazy and carefree times. It was a time to celebrate a life well lived and to draw strength and comfort from all whose lives were touched by Upsall.
Wilma Upsall was born Feb. 6, 1930. She is survived by daughters: Linda (Leonard) Wachs, Charlene Thompson, Debbie (Tim) Richardson and Carol (Junice) Crittendon; sons: Tim (Deanna) Howard and Pete (Janis) Mercer; brother, Bill Mann, 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Visitation was held tonight from 4 to 8 p.m. at Braman & Son Memorial Chapel. Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.